A quarterly e-blast for traditional music, dance, and song organizers
Fall 2019 News for Organizers
Welcome!

This issue of Shop Talk celebrates one full year since the launch of CDSS’ quarterly
e-news for organizers. With that in mind, we’ll recap a few highlights from this past year and announce new supports for organizers. 

Read on...
Please share this announcement with any singers you know…
Coming up very soon: Web Chat to connect Community Sing Organizers!
Wed, October 16, 8:30-9:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Do you organize a participatory singing event (song circle, pub sing, etc.) primarily focused on traditional songs? If so, don’t miss this chance to hear about ways to create a thriving community sing series. Web chat guests from across the continent will share their experiences and suggestions, including time for Q&A.

To participate (by computer or phone), REGISTER BY OCTOBER 13 using this online form . You'll receive an email with instructions on how to join the session a few days before the web chat. Even if you can’t join us on 10/16, submit this form for notices about future CDSS web chats.

Questions? Contact Linda Henry: linda@cdss.org .
Building Safe Dance Communities: Web chat now available online

Feedback to the July web chat on building safe dance communities was overwhelming! We’re glad that so many of you found this discussion helpful. If you missed the web chat, you can view the slides and listen to the discussion HERE .
Recapping One Year of Shop Talk!
Here are a few of the supports that we’ve shared over the first year of Shop Talk: 

  • The Organizer Resource Portal was launched last summer. The goal of the portal is to hold as many of the best resources that we can find that will help local organizers access the information they need! Visit the portal HERE.

  • The results from the 2018 US organizers survey were published. Access the results HERE.

  • We featured the Folk Song Organizers resource kit. View the web version HERE or PDF HERE.

  • We launched a new resource to help organizers facilitate regional discussions. The resource is available HERE. We also shared the CDSS News article about organizer discussions HERE and notes from the 2019 Dance Flurry organizer discussion HERE.

  • We released a collection of inspiring print promotional material from throughout N America. Access this resource HERE.

  • We used Shop Talk as one of the main tools for promoting our web chats. All past web chats can be viewed/listened to HERE. 

  • We shared information on the launch of the newly rebuilt CDSS Affiliate Directory which is accessible to anyone logged into the Commons.
More news...
2019 Affiliate Survey:
Thank you to everyone who participated in our first annual survey of CDSS Affiliates. 48% of Affiliates responded to the survey - an outstanding response! An article in the October CDSS News will highlight some of the key findings, and a full report will be available this winter.

Upcoming resources:
Our team continues to work on a variety of resources. Watch for news about the following resources in upcoming Shop Talk issues:
  • Exciting new sections to the Resource Portal.
  • A collection of best practices for Leading Open Bands - thank you to those who have contributed!
  • A collection of best practices for Fund-Raising including a variety of revenue sources. Again thank you to those who contributed!
  • And more…
Final Notes...
Feedback:
We always appreciate feedback. Please email your comments or suggestions to emily@cdss.org .

Share Shop Talk with your fellow organizers: 
Please pass on this issue of Shop Talk to others you know in the traditional dance, music, and song world. They can sign up for Shop Talk here: https://www.cdss.org/resources/how-to/organizers#shop-talk 

Engage with us on organizer projects: 
We love to have help with collating and organizing best practices. Also we’d love to hear your ideas about organizing! Email emily@cdss.org if you would like to help out with organizer projects.

CDSS Membership: 
Join CDSS as an individual or as an Affiliate group. Membership not only provides you with specific supports, but it also supports CDSS to create resources like this e-newsletter. To join visit these links:
Happy dancing, singing, and playing trad music,

Emily Addison (Consultant) & Linda Henry (CDSS Community Resources Manager)

 P.S. If you have suggestions or content for the next shop Shop Talk , email emily@cdss.org . For specific requests or advice, email linda@cdss.org .
Country Dance & Song Society | 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 | 413-203-5467 | CDSS.ORG